The details surrounding her death and police investigation into the March 5, 2011 homicide are contained in a probable cause affidavit filed by police in Walker District Court.

Karl Cotton Jr., 25, of Benton Harbor is charged with open murder in the death.

A Walker police detective wrote that Cotton came to Walker on March 5, 2011 to complete an illegal drug transaction with another man. The other man was a relative of someone who knew Powell well and had lived with her "on and off."

The other person in the alleged drug deal suggested to Cotton that they meet at Powell's apartment, according to court documents.

The detective wrote that Cotton Jr. waited in the apartment complex hallway while the other person went inside.

The detective was told the drug deal "did not go as planned" and the man inside the apartment decided to flee, leaving Powell inside. He told police he feared for his own safety, knowing that Cotton had a handgun in the hallway.

The man called Powell shortly afterward, about 1 p.m. on March 5, and told her to not open the door for anyone. He tried calling her back after that initial call and received no answer.